We build or burn bridges out of plain words. Words – which can be interpreted in any way we want them to be – do not have much choice but to obey. Was it this? Was it that? Am I understood? Do I deserve it? Is it a joke or just an insult?
This bridge exemplifies the unfortunate burden our words carry.
It is called the Bridge of Sighs, one of the most known, photographed and admired landmarks of Venice. Although it’s appreciated by couples who stop to take a picture of themselves kissing in front of it, the name refers not to sighs of love but to “resignation and despair” instead.
At the time it was built, the bridge provided a connection to the prison. Heavy sighs belonged to convicts who, crossing the bridge to go to prison, knew they were probably seeing Venice for the last time…
